How to become a probation and parole officer in Idaho
The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), Probation and Parole Division hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation & Parole Officer, Senior. New probation and parole officers start at $55,328 a year. You must be at least 21.
Pay
| Starting salary | $55,328 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
| Scale effective | 2026-10 |
Current State of Idaho posting (IDOC - D5 Probation & Parole Officer, Senior - Twin Falls, job 27013) lists $26.60/hr; × 2080 = $55,328. The pay grade and range maximum are not shown in the posting.
Pay for this work across Idaho
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Idaho, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 760 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $47,470 |
| Median pay | $59,780 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $77,210 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Education: High school diploma or state-issued equivalency certificate (POST entrance standard), plus the posting's knowledge requirements: behavioral science knowledge typically gained from at least 12 college credit hours in behavioral/social sciences (psychology, social work, criminal justice) OR a 150-hour related internship OR 1 year full-time experience interacting with clients/offenders; criminal justice knowledge typically from 6 credit hours or 36 hours of training OR 6 months full-time criminal justice experience; report-writing experience (two college report-writing courses, a 150-hour internship, or 6 months full-time report writing); and 6 months of caseload/prioritization experience.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Meet Idaho POST entrance requirements (IDAPA 11.11.01); POST certification is mandatory for adult probation and parole officers
- Felony probation and parole officers must be at least 21 (IDAPA 11.11.01)
- Pass the IDOC online aptitude test
- Pass the physical readiness test at the interview: 14-inch vertical jump, 15 sit-ups in 1 minute, 21 push-ups, 300-meter run in 1:17, 1.5-mile run/walk in 17:17
- Certain criminal convictions make an applicant ineligible for POST academy/certification
Source:[adminrules.idaho.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply online through the State of Idaho careers portal (Luma)
- Complete the IDOC aptitude test
- Interview, including the physical readiness test
- Background investigation
- Hire, then attend the POST Felony Probation & Parole basic academy and complete field training
Entrance exam
IDOC aptitude test. All applicants must complete the aptitude test linked from the posting.[css-idaho-prd.tam.inforgov.com]
Academy
5.5 weeks. Idaho POST lists the Felony Probation & Parole basic academy at 5.5 weeks. Certification also requires at least 40 hours of agency field training and a 6-month probationary period. Pay status during academy not stated by POST.[post.idaho.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) Base Plan, Police Officer/Firefighter member class
- Benefit formula: 2.3% × highest 42-consecutive-month average monthly salary × years of credited service (police/fire multiplier)
- When you can retire: Unreduced at age 60 with 60 months of service, or Rule of 80 (age + years of service = 80); early (reduced) retirement from age 50 with 60 months
Idaho Code 59-1303(3)(e)(iii) classifies IDOC probation and parole officers as police officer members. Formula and rules per the PERSI Member Handbook.
Source:[legislature.idaho.gov]